Abstract
Imaging Agent Pipeline Key to Advancement of Molecular Imaging
Nuclear gamma cameras are a very important imaging modality for molecular
imaging and their strength lies mainly in the large global installed base and
the availability of longer half-life radioisotopes such as Technetium-99m (with
a half-life of 6 hours). However, robust market growth is expected to depend on
the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic imaging agents. In the face
of increasing competition for budget/resources from positron emission tomography
(PET), new imaging agents can create fresh clinical applications for gamma
cameras and help expand the market.
This Frost & Sullivan strategic analysis service explores the nuclear
gamma camera's key competitive advantage with respect to PET scanners and looks
at two developments that may potentially change the industry landscape: new
diagnostic/therapeutic agents successfully passing clinical trials, and the
upcoming launch of hybrid single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
imaging systems. The study covers general imaging and cardiology applications
using single-, double-, and triple-head SPECT/CT.
Developments in Radio-immunotherapy Drive Market Growth
Currently, nuclear cardiology is the key driver for growth in the U.S.
nuclear gamma camera markets with two imaging agents for myocardial perfusion
imaging – Cardiolite and Myoview – holding the major share in the
SPECT imaging agents market. However, some very promising radio-immunotherapeutic
drugs in the clinical pipeline may open gamma cameras to the cancer treatment
market. "In the oncology arena, two approved diagnostic and therapeutic
agents targeted for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma – Zevalin and Bexxar –
have the potential of achieving widespread clinical adoption in the coming
years," says the analyst of the research.
Hybrid SPECT/CT Imaging Systems Present New Growth Opportunities
Revenues from the global gamma camera market reached $638.0 million in 2003.
The introduction and clinical acceptance of hybrid SPECT/CT systems such as GE
Medical Systems?f Infinia Hawkeye are expected to further accelerate growth.
These hybrid imaging systems complement functional imaging of SPECT with
anatomical imaging of CT. As a result, the performance of both new and approved
imaging agents such as ProstaScint can be significantly improved. | 
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